Kathryn Helene Reed, 88, formerly of Warren, Illinois, passed away on November 25, 2023, at the Lafayette Manor in Darlington, Wisconsin. Kathryn was born on September 18, 1935, to Luke and Berneice (Hall) Saunders, and she married Raymond Lewis Reed on March 3, 1962, in Stockton, Illinois.

Kate worked as a beautician, and after she and Ray built their house, she worked from her shop at their home until she retired because of medical reasons. Kate loved spending time with her grandchildren (never missing a game or event and adorned with their picture pins). She was an avid reader and enjoyed her gambling trips with Ray (and later her grandchildren) when she was not helping him mow yards, and she enjoyed collecting Elvis memorabilia and listening to his music.

During March 2020, Ray and Kate moved to Monroe, Wisconsin, to live in Aster Assisted Living before moving to the Lafayette Manor in 2021 where they resided in rooms next to each other and were cared for by the compassionate staff. She spent her days drinking frappes, eating her sweets, playing bingo, and scratching lottery tickets. Kate loved her visits with family most of all. Her eyes lit up when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren walked into the room.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ray, brother Donald Saunders, sister-in-law Charlene Saunders, brother Bernard Saunders, and brother-in-law Francis Reed.

She is survived by her daughter Brenda (Mark) Peterson of New Glarus, WI; granddaughter Carly Peterson of Milwaukee, WI; granddaughter Betsy(Cody) Zirbel of Monona, WI and their son Will; daughter Susan (John) Zambrovitz of Warren, IL; granddaughter Mandy (Matt) Hartzell of Warren, IL and their children Lizzy and Zane; grandson TJ (Jessie) Zambrovitz of Rockford, IL and their children Alyssa, Laynee, and Aidan; son Rick (Sue) Reed of Pearl City, IL; grandson Dustan (Cassi) Reed of Pearl City, IL and their children Deacon and Callee; grandson Aaron (Taylor) Reed of Pearl City, IL and their children Daxton and Dezmond; sister-in-law Barbara Saunders of Warren, IL; and sister-in-law Nelda Reed of Monroe, WI; and many nephews and nieces and their families.

The family will hold a private service for Kate at St. Ann's Catholic Church on Friday, December 1, 2023.

Their burials will follow the service at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family would like to thank the entire compassionate and loving staff at Lafayette Manor who treated her like family; Emilee, Jodi, Melissa and the rest of St. Croix Hospice; and Dr. Solverson of MHLC Primary Care Clinic- Darlington.

A memorial has been established in her name.